The cinematic world of Marvel has taken its penchant for mash-ups to a new height with the film Deadpool & Wolverine, bringing back many retired characters from the days of 20th Century Fox. The movie reunites Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, with a Logan variant, Logan, as they team up to stop the destruction of Wade’s world by the Time Variance Authority, along the way encountering a malevolent villain, Cassandra Nova, and engaging in hilarious and raunchy banter. The film’s roster is incredibly filled, with Johnny Storm, Elektra, Laura/X-23, Blade, and Gambit making appearances, taking away from the time that could be spent on the “here and now” plot. Cassandra Nova, in particular, suffers from not getting enough screen time, despite being one of the most malevolent villains to ever grace the screen.
The nostalgia-fueled reunion creates a sense of overload, with too many characters vying for attention. This lack of focus hurts the film’s pacing and overall narrative, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the story. Moreover, the returning characters are given shallow introductions, feeling like afterthoughts added solely to appease fans of the retro era. Lady Deadpool, a highly anticipated character, ends up being forgettable and disappointing, further adding to the film’s overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine (Photo: Marvel)
This reliance on nostalgia is not exclusive to Deadpool & Wolverine, as it has become a trend in the MCU as a whole. Following the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought together multiple Spider-Man actors, the MCU has continued to incorporate nostalgia into its projects, often at the expense of building up individual storylines. Instead of focusing on the Multiverse Saga, the cinematic universe relies on reminding moviegoers of better days, using nostalgic value to generate buzz and appeal to a wide range of fans.
Despite its entertaining ride, Deadpool & Wolverine’s strong reliance on nostalgia continues this troubling trend. With the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. is returning as Doom, it seems this trend will continue for some time to come. The film’s inability to balance its nostalgic appeal with a cohesive narrative raises questions about the direction of the MCU, and whether it will continue to prioritize flashbacks and cameos over meaningful storytelling.
